The Fallen Princess

Three

The ride to the orphanage was calm, the morning sun warm on Zaria’s back, the scent of cedarwood trees mixing with the soft dust kicked up beneath the horses’ hooves.

By the time they arrived at the weathered stone building, the little princesses were already squirming with excitement, leaning over the saddle horns to glimpse the familiar yard.

Zakai was the first to dismount. He swung down with practiced ease, boots thudding against the packed earth. He reached up immediately for Zaria, his hands steady on her waist as he helped her down from her horse as he always did. Carefully, respectfully, with that fierce protectiveness.

Next, he turned to the knights. One by one, he lifted each girl from the saddles. Small arms looping around his neck, little legs dangling, giggles spilling out as though his arms were the safest place in the world. And for them, they were.

“Thank you, Aldric,” Zaria said as her friend handed her the youngest child, a soft-eyed girl with hair the shade of late summer wheat. “For always arranging transport for the girls.”

She set the child gently on the ground, smoothing the girl’s cloak so it wouldn’t catch on the saddle straps. Then Zaria reached into her belt and pulled out a small, worn leather pouch.

“I don’t have much,” she said, offering Aldric a silver coin. “But at least let me buy you and your men a drink.”

Aldric pushed her hand aside with an amused smile, his blue eyes lighting up with mischief. “How about you ride with me next time instead?” “No,” Zakai called instantly from several feet away, not even looking over his shoulder as he set the last little princess on her feet.

Aldric burst into laughter. “As predictable as sunrise,” he muttered. “It’ll be a few hours,” he called over to Zaria. “We’re being briefed on the arrival of some of the King’s guests. I’ll return when we’re done.” He winked, tipping his head in her direction.

“Until then,” Zaria replied, patting the flank of his horse before turning to collect the girls.

Zakai tied his borrowed mount beneath a shady tree, making sure it had enough slack in the reins to graze as it pleased.

The tiny bell above the orphanage door jingled softly when Zaria pushed it open. The building was old, older than most in the village, with creaky floorboards and beams that sagged under years of weather. Everything inside smelled faintly of soup, soap, and the earthy scent of children who were always a little dirty no matter how much they were scrubbed.

The main hall was empty. Zaria led the children straight through and out into the backyard, where a dozen other children were already running and laughing. The little princesses sprinted toward them without hesitation, vanishing instantly into the blur of play.

Not seeing the young director anywhere, Zaria excused herself and ducked back inside to look for her. She finally found the woman bent beneath one of the bunk beds, sweeping piles of dirt and missing socks from under the frame.

“Oh, there you are,” Zaria said warmly. The woman jerked up at the sound of her voice and immediately cracked her head against the upper bunk. “Ow-! Princess!” she gasped, abandoning the broom against the wall to rush over.

“I am so sorry. I didn’t hear the bell! You usually arrive earlier... I thought perhaps you weren’t coming today.” “I woke up late,” Zaria admitted, rubbing the back of her neck. “A rarity, I know.”

The director chuckled breathlessly. “A blessing for me, then. I might’ve swept the whole place twice before realizing you were here.”

Zaria held out the leather pouch. Inside were the few silver coins she’d saved this month and a small gem she’d taken from a suitor.

A suitor Zakai had promptly killed and buried somewhere beyond the castle walls. At least he wasn’t entirely useless, she thought dryly. His brooch, at least, would go toward something good.

“Bless you, Princess,” the director whispered, her fingers trembling as she accepted the pouch. “If not for you… these children would be long forgotten.” “They are far from forgotten while you still show them love,” Zaria replied warmly, earning a shy smile.

They walked together back down the hall and into the sunlight of the yard, watching as the children played. Running between the laundry lines, chasing sticks, pretending to be knights and dragons and adventurers.

“Honestly,” the director said quietly, “I’m grateful for every visit. I worry the King might forbid you from coming one day.” “I doubt His Majesty could stop my sister even if he tried,” Zakai said from behind the fence as he swung himself over it. “She’s stubborn.”

The director blushed as he came to stand beside her. Zaria caught the sudden flush on her cheeks and smothered a laugh.

Zakai carried the kind of beauty that unsettled people. sharp jawline, pale skin, icy eyes. Humans whispered that he and Zaria were descended from the heavens. Elven beauty shaped by mortal blood. A mixture both mesmerizing and dangerous.

Women swooned for him. Men swooned for her. And for that reason, they often traveled draped in cloaks, heads bowed, the twins hiding not out of shame… but survival.

They extended the habit to their little half-sisters as well, despite the girls being fully human. No other elf had ever been taken by the King... at least none Zaria or Zakai knew of.

Sometimes, late at night, they dreamt of the land their mother had come from. Whether her people still lived. Whether they would ever accept half-human children. Or whether they would be rejected by two worlds rather than one.

By midday, the knights returned. While Zakai stepped forward to greet them, Zaria bent to gather the girls, brushing hair from tiny faces and dusting dirt from their dresses.

“Princess, we must leave at once,” Aldric called from beyond the fence, mounted on his horse. The children ran toward him, eager to see the brave knight they admired so much. “Of course,” she said, fastening her cloak and giving the director a warm wave.

“Take care, until next time.” They rode quickly back to the castle. The tension thickened as they passed through the gates. Knights lined the courtyard, moving in hurried formation. Servants whispered. Banners were being hung in preparation for something neither Zaria nor Zakai had been told about.

Aldric slowed his horse in the front garden. “I’m sorry, Princess,” he said quietly. “I’d hoped to spend more time with you, but I must return to the knightage.” “Because of the King’s guests?” she asked, reading the exhaustion in his eyes.

“He is not at liberty to say,” Zakai answered dryly, pushing his horse’s lead into Aldric’s hand, clearly having asked the same question earlier. “If he could tell us, I’m sure he would,” Zaria said calmly, placing a soft hand on Aldric’s arm in reassurance.

Aldric straightened in his saddle. “Stay close to Zakai,” he warned her gently before riding off.

Zaria exhaled slowly. “Alright, girls… up to my room.” She removed their little cloaks and began herding them toward the castle’s old stone entrance.

“Will you gather their maids and send them to my quarters?” she asked Zakai. “I will,” he replied. “After I escort you myself. Something feels off, and I don’t want you alone.”

“Have the maids keep the girls inside for the rest of the night.” she whispered. He nodded tightly. When they reached Zaria’s chambers, Zakai left to find the maids. Cecil and Zaria helped wash the girls. Scrubbing tiny hands, brushing tangled hair, smoothing dresses so they’d be presentable.

Soon, Zakai returned, giving Zaria the faintest tilt of his head. Signal received, he had informed the maids. She relaxed a fraction.

“Alright, off you go,” she told the girls. “Eat dinner and go to bed early.” Each child kissed her cheek in turn. Their little footsteps pattered across the stone floor until only the youngest lingered in the doorway.

“I wuv you, sister. I wuv you, brudder.” Zaria’s heart melted. She hurried over and scooped the child into a final hug, pressing her round cheeks together affectionately. “We love you too, little angel,” she murmured, glancing at Zakai. He offered the girl the warmest smile she’d seen from him all day.

Once the children left, Zaria shut the door with her heel, kicked off her shoes, and collapsed face-first onto her bed. “Would you like dinner now, Princess?” Cecil asked gently. Zaria groaned into her pillow. “I’m too tired to eat.”

Zakai dragged the vanity chair against the wall and sat, crossing his arms, his eyes closing to rest. “Bring her dinner, Cecil. I’ll make sure she eats.” “You won’t,” Zaria muttered, rolling onto her side. “I won’t what?” he asked lazily. “Make me eat.” He peeked at her with one eye but refused to rise to the bait.

“Would you like dinner as well, Prince Zakai?” Cecil asked. “If you wouldn’t mind. And if Zaria won’t eat, I’ll take her portion.” Zaria glared at him. He smirked. A knock sounded at the door.

“Don’t open it, Cecil,” Zaria mumbled. “If it’s not important, they’ll leave.” “It’s too early to sleep,” Zakai scolded. Another knock... Then another.

“They’re not leaving, sister. Want me to answer?” She let out an exaggerated sigh. “Fine…” Zakai opened the door a c***k. “How can we help you?”

A man’s voice echoed through the gap. “Princess Zaria, the King requests your attendance at dinner in the great hall tonight.” Zaria sat up instantly. “Let him in,” she groaned.

“Are you sure?” Zakai asked, voice dripping with sarcasm as he stepped aside. The messenger tiptoed inside as though entering a lion’s den, flinching when Zakai slammed the door behind him.

“Can’t you see?” Zaria interrupted immediately. “I’m terribly unwell. Some ungodly venereal disease.” She collapsed dramatically onto her bed.

“You have been ‘unwell’ several times, my lady,” the man replied stiffly. “The physician finds nothing each time.” “Several times?” she sputtered. “I was forced into a dinner last week!”

“If I may be so bold, it appears you are taking advantage of the King’s kindness.” “How dare you!” she gasped, gesturing to her bare, cold stone room. “My father’s kindness is overwhelming, truly. Just look at these luxurious accommodations.” The messenger remained unmoved.

“You are of age. Gain the favor of a young man and marry. Until then, you are obligated to attend dinners.” Zaria smiled sweetly. “If I married the King’s messenger, would he finally stop inviting me to dinner?”

He raised a brow. “Was that a proposal princess? I decline. I prefer my women... obedient.” Zakai snorted behind him. Zaria glared over at her brother for laughing at her being rejected by a chubby old whoremonger. “I’m not going.”

“Then we will send your favored sister, Anya, in your place.” “She is TEN!” Zaria roared, rising to her feet. “She is old enough.” “She is NOT!” The messenger turned toward the door.

“Fine!” Zaria shouted. “I’ll go.” “That wasn’t so difficult, now was it...” he gloated. Zakai took one towering step forward and the man scrambled out of the room so fast he nearly tripped over his own feet.

Once the door slammed shut, Zakai muttered, “Don’t worry. I’ll kill any man who insists on your company.” “I wish we could kill that revolting man,” she mumbled. “Maybe soon,” Zakai said with a dark chuckle.